Will Virgin bid for hs2 franchise

[Joshrowlands]

I was just wondering with Virgin now having franchises on both the main lines in the UK (WCML & ECML) do you think they might bid on hs2 to have all 3?

If not who do you thinks most likely to or do you think a completely new TOC will bid?

 

[6Gman]

I would suspect that the competition authorities might take a dim view of HS2 and WCML being in the same stable.

 

[47802]

I'm sorry but that a pretty stupid question at this stage, by the time HS2 gets anywhere near Leeds or Manchester if it gets there, Virgin/Stagecoach may no longer be running either franchise, Virgin trains might not even exist by then.

 

[Joshrowlands]

I would suspect that the competition authorities might take a dim view of HS2 and WCML being in the same stable.

Just because Virgin don't do a great job on the WCML what's to say they won't do brilliantly on hs2?

Hs2 will be completey new, designed for higher speeds, fewer stations, less curves, more Morden technology, better signalling etc

Who's to say that Virgin (and other TOC's) only seem to preform bad because of the line they work on, because I personally think that's the case the line is over 140 years old
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I'm sorry but that a pretty stupid question at this stage, by the time HS2 gets anywhere near Leeds or Manchester if it gets there, Virgin/Stagecoach may no longer be running either franchise, Virgin trains might not even exist by then.

Yeah I know that but they might want to start from London in phase 1? It seems like Virgin and Stagecoach are really growing and the Virgin name is becoming one of the most reconisable names in rail travel, some people would say almost iconic

 

[ACBest]

Far too early to be asking this. All sorts of things could happen between now and it opening: it may not even operate as a franchise if plans change. Virgin Rail Group may not exist by then as someone else has said.

Perhaps one of the most preemptive questions ever asked...

Also, you seem to have misunderstood the competition point. Finally, franchises aren't chosen on how 'iconic' a brand is.

 

[47802]

Just because Virgin don't do a great job on the WCML what's to say they won't do brilliantly on hs2?

Hs2 will be completey new, designed for higher speeds, fewer stations, less curves, more Morden technology, better signalling etc

Who's to say that Virgin (and other TOC's) only seem to preform bad because of the line they work on, because I personally think that's the case the line is over 140 years old
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Yeah I know that but they might want to start from London in phase 1? It seems like Virgin and Stagecoach are really growing and the Virgin name is becoming one of the most reconisable names in rail travel, some people would say almost iconic

Is it iconic I'm sure many wouldn't agree with that, are they growing the Virgin name the involvement in East coast is very much reduced, they had 2 franchises previously and lost one, Branson is now in his mid sixties how long will he continue to be the driving force behind Virgin? and is he perhaps more interested in having a space jaunt.

 

[route:oxford]

I was just wondering with Virgin now having franchises on both the main lines in the UK (WCML & ECML) do you think they might bid on hs2 to have all 3?

If not who do you thinks most likely to or do you think a completely new TOC will bid?

I think IAG will bid to operate it and re-introduce the "British Caledonian" brand:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IA5E1fPvWQY